4 Tips for Buying Back to School Shoes

Summer vacation has come to an end and Back to School season is here! That means it's time to buy the kids new school supplies for the year ahead. Not only do they need binders and backpacks, but a fresh pair of shoes is important to start the year off on the right foot.

Here are four important things to remember when you are making that all-important back to school shoe purchase.

Tips for Buying New Shoes

• Get their feet measured – Even though your kids have only been off school for a couple of months, that doesn’t mean their feet haven’t grown over the summer. It's always important to measure their feet every time you purchase new shoes.
   
• 'Rule of Thumb' – Always ensure that the shoe size you choose leaves approximately a thumb's width between their longest toe and the end of the shoe. This will help to ensure that your kids are not cramming their toes into the end of the shoe, potentially damaging their toenails, contributing to foot deformities, or other issues.
   
• The right shoes for the right activity – This may seem self-explanatory, but it's important to select the appropriate shoe for different activities your kids will be doing. It's not a good idea to go to gym class wearing a dress shoe or playing soccer with sandals.
   
• Don't pass footwear down from one sibling to the other –  Shoes may be in good condition once one child is done using them, but keep in mind that everyone walks differently, creating a wear pattern in their shoes that is specific to them. Sharing shoes can result in issues for a child who doesn’t have the same foot type, shape, gait pattern, etc.

Buying new shoes is a big investment for your child's year ahead. Make sure your kids will be comfortable and avoid developing foot issues by keeping these tips in mind. Stylish shoes are great (we're always fans of light-up shoes), but comfort is more important! 

If your child experiences foot discomfort, head to your local Lifemark clinic that offers orthotics + pedorthics services before you purchase a fresh pair of kicks!